MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama State Employees’ Insurance Board recently approved a plan to charge state workers starting in January 2010 if they don’t have free health screenings. If the screenings turn up serious problems with blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose or obesity, employees will have a year to see a doctor at no cost, enroll in a wellness program, or take steps on their own to improve their health. If they show progress in a follow-up screening, they won’t be charged.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30.3 percent of Alabama citizens are now obese, ranking the state behind only Mississippi. Research shows someone with a body mass index of 35 to 39 generates $1,748 more in annual medical expenses than someone with a BMI less than 25, considered normal.

Alabama already charges workers who smoke — and has seen some success in getting them to quit. The Executive director of Alabama State Employees Association, said the plan is not designed to punish employees.

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